Desert T20: Experienced Netherlands trump spirited Oman

Netherlands got their Desert T20 Challenge campaign off to a winning start as they defeated Oman by five wickets in Abu Dhabi.

Opting to bat first, Oman lost Arun Poulose and Aqib Ilyas in the first four overs. Zeeshan Maqsood and Khawar Ali steadied the ship with a patient 24-run stand, but the cautious approach saw Oman reach the half-way mark at 60/3.

With the need for big shots getting more and more dire, Khurram Nawaz Khan and Muhammad Naseem Khushi went on the offensive. Khurram Khan hit 26 off 18 and Khushi hit 25 off 19 as Oman ended with a respectable 146/7.

The total was a tricky one and Netherlands needed a solid start. However, they found themselves deep in trouble as Bilal Khan struck twice in the first over to send back Stephan Myburgh and Ben Cooper. Netherlands came back strongly and put themselves on course for a win through a 97-run stand between Michael Rippon and Wesley Barresi. The pair took a patient approach and ensured Netherlands put themselves in a promising position at 97/2 in the 15th over.

Former South African allrounder Roelof van der Merwe then closed out the game with some trademark hitting. The right-hander smashed six fours during his 15-ball 35 as Netherlands, with six needed off the final over, won with four balls to spare.